Turnbuckle link-gage

ABSTRACT

Turnbuckle link-gages are disclosed herein. A turnbuckle link-gage includes an inside rod including a first opening on a first longitudinal end and a second opening on a second longitudinal end of the inside rod, the first opening and the second opening extending at least partially through the inside rod, the inside rod including tabs extending from the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the inside rod around the first opening and the second opening, an exterior surface of the tabs including conical threads, outside rods to be positioned within the openings of the inside rod, the tabs of the inside rod at least partially surrounding the outside rods, the outside rods including end bearings to couple to a first structure and a second structure, and conical nuts to constrict the tabs around the outside rods and couple the inside rod and the outside rods.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to a turnbuckle, and, moreparticularly, to a turnbuckle link-gage.

BACKGROUND

During operation of an axial flow turbomachine, air is continuouslyinduced into a compressor. The compressor accelerates and increases thepressure of the air via rotating blades and adjacent rows of variablestator vanes that guide the air into a combustor. The efficiency of thecompressor can be optimized by controlling vane angles of the variablestator vanes via turnbuckles. During installation and testing, lengthsof the turnbuckles are adjusted to determine the vane angles thatoptimize the efficiency of the compressor. Once the optimal vane anglesare determined, the lengths of the turnbuckles are fixed to maintain theoptimal vane angles during operation. The vane angles are critical tothe compressor pressure ratio and, thus, the efficiency of the axialflow turbomachine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Turnbuckle apparatus, turnbuckle link-gage devices, and associatedmethods are disclosed.

Certain examples provide an example turnbuckle link-gage including aninside rod including a first opening on a first longitudinal end of theinside rod and a second opening on a second longitudinal end of theinside rod, the first and second opening extending at least partiallythrough the inside rod, the inside rod including tabs extending from thefirst and second longitudinal ends of the inside rod at least partiallyaround the first and second openings, an exterior surface of the tabsincluding conical threads, outside rods to be at least partiallypositioned within the openings of the inside rod, the tabs of the insiderod at least partially surrounding the outside rods, the outside rodsincluding end bearings to couple to a first structure and a secondstructure, and conical nuts including threads correlating with theconical threads of the tabs of the inside rod, the conical nuts tothreadably couple to the tabs, the conical nuts to constrict the tabsaround the outside rods and couple the inside rod and the outside rods.

Certain examples provide an example apparatus including a hollow rodwith an internal circumference, the hollow rod including tabs extendingfrom at least one longitudinal end of the hollow rod, an exteriorsurface of the tabs including conical threads, at least one threadlessrod, at least a portion of the threadless rod to be positioned withinthe hollow rod, a circumference of the threadless rod to beapproximately equivalent to the internal circumference of the hollowrod, and at least one nut including internal conical threadscomplementary to the conical threads of the exterior surface of the tabsof the hollow rod, an engagement between the internal conical threads ofthe nut and the conical threads of the exterior surface of the tabs ofthe hollow rod to substantially constrict the tabs of the hollow rodaround the threadless rod to couple the hollow rod and the threadlessrod.

Certain examples provide an example axial flow turbomachine includingvariable stator vanes to direct airflow through rotor blades of theaxial flow turbomachine, and turnbuckle link-gages to couple a case ofthe variable stator vanes to a structure of the axial flow turbomachine.The turnbuckle link-gages include a hollow rod with at least oneopening, the hollow rod including tabs extending from longitudinal endsaround the opening, an exterior surface of the tabs including conicalthreads, a threadless rod, the threadless rod to be positioned at leastpartially within the opening of the hollow rod, and nuts includingconical threads, the nuts to couple the hollow rod and the threadlessrod by coupling to the tabs of the hollow rod and constricting the tabsof the hollow rod around the threadless rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example axial flow turbomachine with exampleturnbuckle link-gages in accordance with the teachings herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example turnbuckle link-gage of the axial flowturbomachine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example cross section of the turnbuckle link-gageof FIGS. 1 and/or 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a magnified view of the example cross section of theturnbuckle link-gage of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example portion of the turnbuckle link-gageillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example nut of the turnbuckle link-gage of FIGS.1, 2, 3, and/or 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second example turnbuckle link-gage of the axialflow turbomachine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example cross section of the turnbuckle link-gageof FIG. 7.

In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same orlike parts. As used herein, connection references (e.g., attached,coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members betweenthe elements referenced by the connection reference and/or relativemovement between those elements unless otherwise indicated. As such,connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements aredirectly connected and/or in fixed relation to each other. As usedherein, stating that any part is in “contact” with another part isdefined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the twoparts.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as “first,”“second,” “third,” etc., are used herein without imputing or otherwiseindicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in alist, and/or ordering in any way, but are merely used as labels and/orarbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding thedisclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be usedto refer to an element in the detailed description, while the sameelement may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor suchas “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood thatsuch descriptors are used merely for identifying those elementsdistinctly that might, for example, otherwise share a same name. As usedherein, “approximately” and “about” refer to dimensions that may not beexact due to manufacturing and/or assembly tolerances and/or other realworld imperfections. As used herein, “substantially constrict” refers toa compression force that at least partially surrounds a perimeter of astructure(s) to tighten the perimeter of, or reduce a displacementbetween, the structure(s). As used herein “threadless” refers to astructure that does not include threads on a surface thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A turnbuckle link-gage is disclosed herein. In general, turnbuckles canbe used to provide a linkage with an adjustable length within an axialflow turbomachine, such as, but not limited to, an aircraft engine, aturbojet, a turbofan, a marine gas turbine, an oil & gas pipelinecompressor, an industrial gas turbine, etc. Turnbuckles also can beincorporated in systems other than an axial flow turbomachine to couplea first structure and a second structure with an adjustabledisplacement. In some examples, turnbuckles can be used to adjust thetension of a rope or cable within an assembly. In some examples, alength or orientation of the turnbuckles can be adjusted based on adisplacement between the first structure and the second structure.

In known implementations, turnbuckles typically include bearings onopposite ends thereof that couple to a first structure and a secondstructure. The bearings are typically threadably coupled to anintermediate structure displaced between the bearings. For example, theintermediate structure includes an opening with internal threads, androds with the bearings include threads on an exterior surface thereof tocouple with the internal threads of the intermediate structure as aportion of the rod is inserted through the opening. In some examples,the portion of the rod that is inserted through the opening is adjustedby torqueing (e.g., rotating clockwise, rotating counterclockwise) therod relative to the intermediate structure to adjust a length of theturnbuckle.

In some examples, the intermediate structure and the bearings of theturnbuckle are fixed in length by a nut that locks (e.g., rotationallylocks) the bearings in place relative to the intermediate structure and,thus, prevents rotation of the rods with bearings. In some examples, anorientation of the bearings is determined by the position of the firststructure and/or the second structure. Additionally, a rotationalorientation of the bearings is associated with the length of theturnbuckle. Specifically, a rotation of the bearing relates to a lengthof the turnbuckle. In some examples, an adjustment of the length of theturnbuckle to couple to a fixed structure is limited by a threadspecification of the turnbuckle. For example, when the bearing of theturnbuckle is aligned to couple with the fixed structure and the lengthneeds to be adjusted, adjustments are limited to a half-turn (e.g., 180degrees rotation) or a full-turn (e.g., 360 degrees rotation) tomaintain the alignment of the bearing with the fixed structure. In someexamples, the half-turn or full-turn results in a length of theturnbuckle that does not correspond with a position of the fixedstructure to which the bearing is to couple.

In some examples, a predetermined length of the turnbuckle does notcorrelate with a predetermined orientation of the bearings as determinedby the position of the first structure and the second structure.Specifically, when the bearing is rotated to correlate with the first orsecond structure, the length of the turnbuckle transitions from a firstlength to a second length that is different from the first length. Insome such examples, the first length of the turnbuckle is determined bythe displacement between the first structure and the second structureand the second length of the turnbuckle is determined by the orientationof the bearings corresponding with the position of the first structureand the second structure. For example, the first length can result in anorientation of the bearings that does not correspond with the positionof the first structure and/or the second structure. Additionally, thesecond length can deviate from the displacement between the firststructure and the second structure as a result of rotating theorientations of the bearings to correspond with the positions of thefirst and second structures.

Further, a resolution of tension between the first structure and thesecond structure is limited by the orientations of the bearings.Specifically, the tension between the first structure and the secondstructure is determined by the length of the turnbuckle, which islimited by the orientation of the bearings that corresponds with theposition of the first and second structure. In some examples, theposition of the first and/or second structure requires a partialrotation (e.g., a 60 degrees rotation, a 120 degrees rotation, etc.) ofthe bearing in relation to the orientation of the bearing at thepredetermined length of the turnbuckle. In some such examples, aresultant length of the turnbuckle can provide more, or less, tensionbetween the first and second structure than the predetermined length asa result of the partial rotation of the bearing.

In some examples, the length of the turnbuckle is fixed by a pin (e.g.,a rod) that is inserted through the intermediate structure and thebearings to maintain a predetermined portion of the bearings within theintermediate structure. In some such examples, the intermediatestructure and the bearings include holes (e.g., openings, slots, etc.)for the pin to be inserted within and maintain a relative length andorientation of the turnbuckle. In some such examples, the resolution ofthe length of the turnbuckle and/or the rotational orientation of thebearing is limited by the position of the holes within the intermediatestructure and the bearings. For example, if holes within theintermediate structure and the rods with bearings are positioned in apatterned array with a specific distance and/or relative angle betweenthem, the resolution of the length of the turnbuckle is limited by thedistance between the holes and the resolution of the rotationalorientation of the bearings is limited by the relative angle between theholes. Specifically, the turnbuckle is unable to provide a length and/orassociated orientations of the bearings that does not correspond with aplacement of the holes within the intermediate structure and the rodswith bearings.

Examples disclosed herein enable a turnbuckle link-gage to adjustablylink structures. In some examples, a length of the turnbuckle link-gageand a rotational orientation of associated end bearings are adjustedindependently based on a displacement and relative orientation of afirst structure and a second structure. In some examples, the turnbucklelink-gage includes an inside rod (e.g., a hollow rod) with tabs (e.g.,jaws, clamps, etc.) extending from at least one longitudinal end thereofaround an opening of the inside rod. In some examples, the inside rodincludes a first opening on a first longitudinal end thereof and asecond opening on a second longitudinal end thereof. In some suchexamples, the first opening and the second opening extend at leastpartially through the inside rod. Accordingly, the inside rod can be ahollow rod with an internal circumference as the first and secondopenings extend through the hollow rod. Further, the tabs of the insiderod (e.g., the hollow rod) extend from the first and second longitudinalends of the inside rod at least partially around the first and secondopenings.

In some examples, at least a portion of outside rods (e.g., threadlessrods) are contained within the first and second openings of the insiderod with the tabs of the inside rod surrounding the outside rods. Inother words, the outside rods are positioned at least partially withinthe openings at the first and second longitudinal ends of the inside rodwith the tabs at least partially surrounding the outside rods. In someexamples, the inside rod is implemented as a threadless rod (e.g., asmooth rod) including a circumference that is approximately equivalentto the internal circumference of the inside rod (e.g., the hollow rod).In some examples, longitudinal ends of the outside rods (e.g.,threadless rods) opposite the portions of the outside rods positionedwithin the inside rod include rod end bearings to couple the outsiderods and, thus, the turnbuckle link-gage, to associated structures.

In some examples, the tabs of the inside rod (e.g., the hollow rod)include conical threads on an exterior surface thereof (e.g., opposite asurface of the tabs that contacts the outside rod). In some examples,conical nuts include internal conical threads complementary to theconical threads of the exterior surface of the tabs to couple to andconstrict the tabs around the outside rods. In some such examples, thetabs maintain a position of the outside rods relative to the inside rodand, thus, maintain a length and orientation of the turnbucklelink-gage. In some examples, an exterior surface of the inside rod(e.g., the hollow rod) includes a grip. In some such examples, theexterior surface of the inside rod includes flats to form the grip andenhance torqueing of the conical nuts. As used herein, “flats” includetwo or more flat surfaces positioned on opposite sides of the exteriorsurface of the inside rod 202. In some examples, an intermediate rod ispositioned between a first inside rod and a second inside rod. In somesuch examples, the intermediate rod is at least partially within thefirst or second opening of the first inside rod and the first or secondopening of the second inside rod with the tabs of the first inside rodand the tabs of the second inside rod at least partially surrounding theintermediate rod.

In some examples, the portions of the outside rods positioned within theinside rod are translationally and rotationally adjustable and, thus,the length and/or orientation of the turnbuckle link-gage is adjustable.In some such examples, a translational adjustment of the outside rodswith respect to the inside rod is independent from a rotationalorientation of the associated end bearings. Further, the turnbucklelink-gage includes a limitless resolution associated with adjustments ofthe length of the turnbuckle link-gage and the rotational orientation ofthe end bearings because the adjustments are independent of one another.For example, adjustments of the length of the turnbuckle link-gageresult in any length between a minimum and maximum length determined bylengths of the inside rod and outside rods. Accordingly, the turnbucklelink-gage can adjustably link structures by adjusting the length and/ororientation of the turnbuckle link-gage to correspond with the positionof the structures. Additionally, the turnbuckle link-gage can adjustablylink structures by adjusting the length and/or orientation of theturnbuckle link-gage to adjust the relative position of the structures(e.g., adjust the structures to be closer together or farther apart).

In some examples, the rotational and/or translational adjustment of theturnbuckle link-gage is based on the displacement of a first structurerelative to a second structure. In some examples, the first structure isa structure of an axial flow turbomachine (e.g., a torque shaft, a bellhandle, a bell crank, etc.) and the second structure is a case (e.g., arim, a bridge, a ring, etc.) of the axial flow turbomachine thatdetermines a vane angle of variable stator vanes positioned within thecase. In some examples, a length of the turnbuckle link-gage and/or arotational orientation of the associated rod end bearing can be adjustedbetween iterations of testing of the axial flow turbomachine todetermine vane angles of the variable stator vanes that result inefficient operation of an axial flow turbomachine. In some suchexamples, at least one of the end bearings can be coupled to the firststructure and/or the second structure during an adjustment (e.g.,translational adjustment, rotational adjustment) of the portion of thethreadless rod positioned within the opening of the hollow rod.

Further, the turnbuckle link-gage adjustably links structures via rod(e.g., outside rod, threadless rod, etc.) end bearings that account fora first means for bearing to couple to a first structure and a secondmeans for bearing to couple to a second structure. In some examples, theinside rod (e.g., the hollow rod) accounts for a means for containingthat contains at least a portion of the first and second means forbearing. In some such examples, the portions of the first and secondmeans for bearing contained by the means for containing is adjustable.Additionally, the conical nuts and the tabs of the inside rod accountfor a first and second means for coupling the means for containing tothe first and second means for bearing, respectively. Further, theconical nuts and the tabs of the inside rod account for a means forconstricting the means for containing around at least a portion of thefirst and second means for bearing. Accordingly, the portions of thefirst and second means for bearing contained by the means for containingis determined by a position of a first structure relative to a positionof a second structure. Although the turnbuckle link-gage is describedherein as a part of the axial flow turbomachine, the turnbucklelink-gage can be implemented within any other system that includescomponents to be coupled with a displacement between them.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example axial flow turbomachine 100 withturnbuckle link-gages 102 coupled to structures of the axial flowturbomachine 100. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the axial flowturbomachine 100 includes the turnbuckle link-gages 102, a case (e.g.,bridges, rings, etc.) 104, and a torque shaft 106. The illustratedexample includes a magnified view 101 of a portion of the case 104. Asshown in FIG. 1, the turnbuckle link-gages 102 adjustably link (e.g.,couple, connect, etc.) the case 104 and the torque shaft 106 of theaxial flow turbomachine 100. In some examples, a positioning of the case104 determines vane angles of variable stator vanes to direct airflowthrough rotor blades of the axial flow turbomachine 100. In theillustrated example of FIG. 1, the torque shaft 106 and associatedturnbuckle link-gages 102 control the orientation of the case 104 and,thus, the vane angles of the variable stator vanes. In other examples(not shown), the turnbuckle link-gages 102 can be coupled to analternative structural part of the axial flow turbomachine 100 insteadof the torque shaft 106, such as a pump handle, bell crank, etc., tocontrol the vane angles.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the turnbuckle link-gages 102include adjustable lengths and rotational orientations of associated endbearings that couple to the case 104 and the torque shaft 106 toadjustably link the case 104 and the torque shaft 106. Further, theposition of the case 104 and/or the torque shaft 106 can be adjusted andlinked by the turnbuckle link gages 102 to maintain that adjustment. Insome examples, during iterations of testing of the axial flowturbomachine 100, the length of the turnbuckle link-gages 102 and therotational orientation of the associated end bearings are iterativelyadjusted to determine optimal or otherwise advantageous vane angles thatmore efficiently provide compressed air through the rotor blades to adownstream combustor of the axial flow turbomachine 100. In someexamples, when the optimal vane angles of the variable stator vanes aredetermined, the length of the turnbuckle link-gages 102 and therotational orientations of the associated end bearings are fixed tomaintain the determined vane angles during operation of the axial flowturbomachine 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates the turnbuckle link-gage 102 of the axial flowturbomachine 100 shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2,the turnbuckle link-gage 102 includes an inside rod (e.g., a hollow rod)202 including openings on longitudinal ends 212 extending at leastpartially through the inside rod 202 and tabs (e.g. jaws, clamps, etc.)204 extending from the longitudinal ends 212 concentrically, or at leastpartially, around the openings. The turnbuckle link-gage 102 furtherincludes conical nuts 206, and outside rods (e.g., threadless rods) 208including end bearings 210. In some examples, an exterior surface of thetabs 204 includes conical threads.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the outside rods 208 arepositioned at least partially within the openings of the inside rod 202.The tabs 204 of the inside rod 202 at least partially surround theoutside rods 208. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the conical nuts206 include threads that correlate with the conical threads of the tabs204. The conical nuts 206 couple to the conical threads of the tabs 204to constrict the tabs 204 around the outside rod 208, thereby couplingthe inside rod 202 and the outside rods 208 and fixing the length andorientation of the turnbuckle link-gage 102. As shown in FIG. 2, anexterior surface of the inside rod 202 includes flats 214 to form a gripand enhance torqueing of the conical nuts 206. In other words, theinside rod 202 is a prism with openings on the longitudinal ends 212thereof.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, portions of the outside rods 208positioned within the inside rod 202 are adjustable and, thus, thelength of the turnbuckle link-gage 102 is adjustable. In some suchexamples, at least one of the conical nuts 206 is loosened so the tabs204 do not constrict around the associated outside rod 208 which allowsthe outside rod 208 to slide further into, or out of, the opening of theinside rod 202. In some examples, at least one of the end bearings 210is coupled to at least one of the case 104 of the variable stator vanesor a structure of the axial flow turbomachine 100 during an adjustmentof the portion of the outside rod 208 positioned within the inside rod202.

Further, an adjustment of a rotational orientation of the end bearings210 is independent from the adjustment of the portions of the outsiderods 208 positioned within the inside rod 202. In some examples, theadjustment of the rotational orientation of the end bearings 210 and/orthe adjustment of the portions of the outside rods 208 positioned withinthe inside rod 202 is determined by a position of a first structurerelative to a second structure. For example, the adjustments can bedetermined by the position of the case 104 relative to the torque shaft106.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example cross section along reference line A-A ofthe turnbuckle link-gage 102 indicated in FIG. 2. The example crosssection A-A of the turnbuckle link-gage 102 includes an opening 302within the inside rod (e.g., the hollow rod) 202 and a contact area 304between the conical nuts 206, the tabs 204 of the inside rod 202, andthe outside rods (e.g., the threadless rods) 208. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 3, the opening 302 extends through the inside rod 202.Further, although the example of FIG. 3 shows the opening 302 extendingthrough the inside rod 202, the inside rod 202 can include separate onesof the opening 302 at the longitudinal ends 212 extending partiallythrough the inside rod 202. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, theportions of the outside rods 208 positioned within the opening 302 ofthe inside rod 202 are at least partially within the longitudinal end212 of the inside rod 202 to provide a secure contact area 304 for thetabs 204.

FIG. 4 illustrates a magnified view of the contact area 304 between theconical nuts 206, the tabs 204 of the inside rod 202, and the outsiderod 208. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, a circumference of theoutside rod 208 is approximately equivalent to an internal circumferenceof the inside rod 202. As shown in FIG. 4, the conical nut 206threadably couples with the tabs 204 of the inside rod 202 to constrict(e.g., tighten, compress, etc.) the tabs 204 around the outside rod 208and, thus, couple the inside rod 202 and the outside rod 208. In otherwords, a conical portion of the conical nut 206, discussed further inassociation with FIG. 6, constricts the tabs 204 around the outside rod208 as the conical nut 206 is torqued and shifts toward the longitudinalend 212 of the inside rod 202. Further, as the conical portion of theconical nut 206 travels up a conical portion of the tabs 204, discussedfurther in association with FIG. 5, towards the longitudinal end 212 ofthe inside rod 202, the conical portion of the conical nut 206compresses the tabs 204 between the conical nut 206 and the outside rod208 to fix (e.g., lock, constrict, etc.) the position of the outside rod208 relative to the inside rod 202.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example portion of the turnbuckle link-gage 500 ofFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or 4. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, theportion of the turnbuckle link-gage 500 includes a first portion of thetabs 502 with a uniform thickness, a second portion of the tabs 504 witha conical thickness, and threads 506 of the tabs across the firstportion of the tabs 502 and the second portion of the tabs 504. Theillustrated portion of the turnbuckle link-gage 500 further includes theinside rod 202 and the associated longitudinal end 212 thereof, theoutside rod 208, and the end bearing 210. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 5, the conical nut 206 is removed from the portion of theturnbuckle link-gage 500 to provide a view of the tabs 204 that extendfrom the longitudinal end 212 around the opening of the inside rod 202and at least partially surround the outside rod 208.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the outside rod 208 can slidefurther into, or out of, the inside rod 202 to adjust the length of theturnbuckle link-gage 102. Further, the outside rod 208 can be rotated toadjust the orientation of the end bearing 210 to correlate with theposition of the structure that the end bearing 210 is to couple to. Insome examples, the conical nut 206 is at least partially coupled to thethreads of the tabs 506, or placed around the outside rod 208, as thelength of the turnbuckle link-gage 102 or the orientation of the endbearing 210 is adjusted. For example, the conical nut 206 can bepartially coupled to the first portion of the tabs 502 and not thesecond portion of the tabs 504 while adjustments are made so the tabs204 do not constrict around the outside rod 208 allowing the outside rod208 to rotate and/or translate further into or out of the opening of theinside rod 202. In some such examples, the conical nut 206 is tightenedaround the tabs 204 to secure the length of the turnbuckle link-gage andthe orientation of the end bearings 210 after the adjustments have beenmade to correspond to positions of a first and second structure.

In some examples, the tabs 204 are constricted around the outside rod208 when the conical nut 206 couples to the threads 506 of the secondportion of the tabs 504. For example, the conical portion of the conicalnut 206, as discussed further in association with FIG. 6, constricts thetabs 204 around the outside rod 208 as the conical nut 206 couples tothe threads 506 of the second portion of the tabs 504 and is torquedtowards the longitudinal end 212 of the inside rod 202. Further, as theconical nut 206 is torqued and the conical portion of the conical nut206 engages with the second portion of the tabs 504 and moves towardsthe longitudinal end 212, the tabs 204 encounter a compression forcethat is translated to the outside rod 208 positioned between the tabs204 to maintain the position thereof.

FIG. 6 illustrates the conical nut 206 of the turnbuckle link-gage 102of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or 4. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6, theconical nut 206 includes an exterior surface 602 and an interior surface604 including threads 605, a first portion of the interior surface 606with a uniform circumference, and a second portion of the interiorsurface 608 with a conical circumference. In other words, thecircumference of the interior surface 604 is reduced as the secondportion of the interior surface 608 extends away from the first portionof the interior surface 606. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6,tooling, such as a wrench, is positioned on the exterior surface 602 toprovide torque to tighten or loosen the conical nut 206 around the tabs204.

In some examples, the first portion of the interior surface 606 of theconical nut 206 threadably couples to the first portion of the tabs 502while the second portion of the interior surface 608 threadably couplesto the second portion of the tabs 504. In some examples, the secondportion of the interior surface 608 includes a slightly smaller conicalcircumference in comparison to the second portion of the tabs 504. Insome such examples, the engagement between the threads 605 of the secondportion of the interior surface 608 and the threads 506 of the secondportion of the tabs 504 substantially constricts the tabs 204 of theinside rod 202 to couple the inside rod 202 and the outside rod 208 andfix (e.g., lock) the position of the outside rod 208 relative to theinside rod 202. In some examples, to adjust the portion of the outsiderod 208 positioned within the inside rod 202, or the orientation of therod end bearing 210, the conical nut 206 is loosened to at leastpartially uncouple the second portion of the interior surface 608 fromthe second portion of the tabs 504 and, thus, reduce the compressionforce of the tabs 204 on the outside rod 208. Further, after appropriateadjustments are made, the conical nut 206 is tightened (e.g., torqued)to couple the second portion of the interior surface 608 to the secondportion of the tabs 504.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second example turnbuckle link-gage 700 that can beused in the axial flow turbomachine 100 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 7, theturnbuckle link-gage 700 includes a threadless rod 702, hollow rods 704,and the conical nuts 206. In FIG. 7, the hollow rods 704 includes tabs706, flats 708, and the end bearing 210. In FIG. 7, a longitudinal endof the hollow rods 704 includes an opening opposite the end bearing 210,as discussed further in association with FIG. 8. In FIG. 7, thethreadless rod 702 is positioned at least partially within the openingsof the hollow rods 704. In FIG. 7, the tabs 706 extend from thelongitudinal end of the hollow rods 704 concentrically, or at leastpartially, around the openings of the hollow rods 704. In FIG. 7, thetabs 706 include conical threads on an exterior surface thereof. In FIG.7, the tabs 706 at least partially surround the threadless rod 702. InFIG. 7, the conical nuts 206 couple to and constrict the tabs 706 aroundthe threadless rod 702 to couple the threadless rod 702 and the hollowrods 704. In some examples, the flats 708 provide a grip to enhancetorqueing of the conical nuts 206 around the tabs 706. In some examples,the end bearings 210 of the hollow rods 704 couple to structures of theaxial flow turbomachine 100, such as the case 104 and/or the torqueshaft 106.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 7, portions of the threadless rod 702positioned within the hollow rods 704 are adjustable. The length of theturnbuckle link-gage 700 is adjustable based on an adjustment of theposition of the portions of the threadless rod 702 within the hollowrods 704. In some examples, at least one conical nut 206 is loosened sothe tabs 706 expand and do not constrict around the threadless rod 702,which allows the threadless rod 702 to slide further into, or out of,the openings of the hollow rods 704. In FIG. 7, the hollow rod 704 isrotated while the tabs 706 are not constricted around the threadless rod702 to adjust an orientation of the associated end bearing 210. In someexamples, a rotational orientation of the end bearings 210 isindependent from the length of the turnbuckle link-gage 700 and/or anadjustment thereof. In some examples, the rotational orientation of theend bearings 210 and the length of the turnbuckle link-gage 700 areindependently adjusted to couple to the structures of the axial flowturbomachine 100.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example cross section along a reference line B-Bof the turnbuckle link-gage 700 of FIG. 7. The example cross section B-Bof the turnbuckle link-gage 700 includes openings 802 within the hollowrods 704. In the illustrated example, the openings 802 extend partiallythrough the hollow rods 704. In FIG. 8, the threadless rod 702 ispositioned at least partially within the openings 802. In some examples,portions of the threadless rod 702 positioned within the hollow rod 704are adjustable. In some examples, the tabs 706 are constricted aroundthe threadless rod 702 by the conical nuts 206 to maintain the portionsof the threadless rod 702 within the hollow rod 704.

“Including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are usedherein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any formof “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising,including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation ofany kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc.may be present without falling outside the scope of the correspondingclaim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is usedas the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it isopen-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including”are open ended. The term “and/or” when used, for example, in a form suchas A, B, and/or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as(1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) Bwith C, and (7) A with B and with C. As used herein in the context ofdescribing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, thephrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementationsincluding any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) atleast one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the contextof describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, thephrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementationsincluding any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) atleast one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context ofdescribing the performance or execution of processes, instructions,actions, activities and/or steps, the phrase “at least one of A and B”is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at leastone A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B.Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performanceor execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities and/orsteps, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer toimplementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B,and (3) at least one A and at least one B.

As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”,etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” entity, as usedherein, refers to one or more of that entity. The terms “a” (or “an”),“one or more”, and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means,elements or method actions may be implemented by, e.g., a single unit orprocessor. Additionally, although individual features may be included indifferent examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and theinclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that acombination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that example methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture have been disclosed thatadjustably link structures via a turnbuckle link-gage. Morespecifically, the examples described herein enable a turnbucklelink-gage with a length and rotational orientation of associated endbearings that are independently adjustable. Further, the turnbucklelink-gage includes a limitless resolution associated with adjustments ofthe length of the turnbuckle link-gage and the rotational orientation ofthe end bearings. As a result, the turnbuckle link-gage provides a linkbetween structures that is adjustable to correspond with positions ofthe structures.

Examples of a turnbuckle link-gage are disclosed herein. Furtherexamples and combinations thereof include the following:

1. An apparatus comprising an inside rod including a first opening on afirst longitudinal end of the inside rod and a second opening on asecond longitudinal end of the inside rod, the first opening and thesecond opening extending at least partially through the inside rod, theinside rod including tabs extending from the first longitudinal end andthe second longitudinal end of the inside rod at least partially aroundthe first opening and the second opening, an exterior surface of thetabs including conical threads, outside rods to be at least partiallypositioned within the openings of the inside rod, the tabs of the insiderod at least partially surrounding the outside rods, the outside rodsincluding end bearings to couple to a first structure and a secondstructure, and conical nuts including threads correlating with theconical threads of the tabs of the inside rod, the conical nuts tothreadably couple to the tabs, the conical nuts to constrict the tabsaround the outside rods and couple the inside rod and the outside rods.

2. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein portions of theoutside rods to be positioned within the inside rod are adjustable.

3. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein an adjustment of arotational orientation of the end bearings is independent from anadjustment of the portions of the outside rods to be positioned withinthe inside rod.

4. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the adjustment of therotational orientation of the end bearings and the adjustment of theportions of the outside rods to be positioned within the inside rod isdetermined by a position of the first structure relative to the secondstructure.

5. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein an exterior surface ofthe inside rod includes flats to form a grip and enhance torqueing ofthe conical nuts.

6. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the inside rod is afirst inside rod, and further including an intermediate rod positionedbetween the first inside rod and a second inside rod, the intermediaterod to be at least partially within the first opening or the secondopening of the first inside rod and the first opening or the secondopening of the second inside rod, the tabs of the first inside rod andthe tabs of the second inside rod at least partially surrounding theintermediate rod.

7. An apparatus comprising a hollow rod with an internal circumference,the hollow rod including tabs extending from at least one longitudinalend of the hollow rod, an exterior surface of the tabs including conicalthreads, at least one threadless rod, at least a portion of thethreadless rod to be positioned within the hollow rod, a circumferenceof the threadless rod to be approximately equivalent to the internalcircumference of the hollow rod, and at least one nut including internalconical threads complementary to the conical threads of the exteriorsurface of the tabs of the hollow rod, an engagement between theinternal conical threads of the nut and the conical threads of theexterior surface of the tabs of the hollow rod to substantiallyconstrict the tabs of the hollow rod around the threadless rod to couplethe hollow rod and the threadless rod.

8. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the portion of thethreadless rod to be positioned within the hollow rod is adjustable.

9. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein a longitudinal end ofat least one of the threadless rod or the hollow rod includes an endbearing.

10. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein a translationaladjustment of the threadless rod with respect to the hollow rod isindependent from a rotational orientation of the end bearing.

11. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the translationaladjustment of the threadless rod and the rotational orientation of theend bearing are determined by a position of a first structure that afirst end bearing couples to relative to a second structure that asecond end bearing couples to.

12. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the tabs extend fromthe at least one longitudinal end of the hollow rod around the internalcircumference.

13. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein an exterior surfaceof the hollow rod includes a grip, the grip including flats positionedon the exterior surface of the hollow rod to enhance torqueing of thenut.

14. An axial flow turbomachine comprising variable stator vanes todirect airflow through rotor blades of the axial flow turbomachine, andturnbuckle link-gages to couple a case of the variable stator vanes to astructure of the axial flow turbomachine, the turnbuckle link-gagesincluding a hollow rod with an opening, the hollow rod including tabsextending from at least one longitudinal end around the opening, anexterior surface of the tabs including conical threads, a threadlessrod, the threadless rod to be positioned at least partially within theopening of the hollow rod, and nuts including conical threads, the nutsto couple the hollow rod and the threadless rod by coupling to the tabsof the hollow rod and constricting the tabs of the hollow rod around thethreadless rod.

15. The axial flow turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein aportion of the threadless rod positioned within the opening of thehollow rod is adjustable.

16. The axial flow turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein atleast one of the threadless rod or the hollow rod includes an endbearing to couple to the case of the variable stator vanes.

17. The axial flow turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the endbearing is coupled to the case of the variable stator vane or thestructure of the axial flow turbomachine during an adjustment of theportion of the threadless rod positioned within the opening of thehollow rod.

18. The axial flow turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein arotational orientation of the end bearing is adjustable.

19. The axial flow turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein anadjustment of the rotational orientation of the end bearing isindependent of an adjustment of the portion of the threadless rodpositioned within the opening of the hollow rod.

20. The axial flow turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein anadjustment of the portion of the threadless rod positioned within theopening of the hollow rod or an adjustment of the rotational orientationof the end bearing is determined by a position of the case of thevariable stator vanes and the structure of the axial flow turbomachine.

21. The axial flow turbomachine of example 14, further including flatsurfaces positioned on an exterior surface of the hollow rod to enhancetorqueing of the nuts.

22. An apparatus comprising first means for bearing to couple to a firststructure, second means for bearing to couple to a second structure,means for containing at least a portion of the first means for bearingand at least a portion of the second means for bearing, wherein theportion of the first means for bearing and the portion of the secondmeans for bearing contained by the means for containing is adjustable,first means for coupling the means for containing to the first means forbearing, and second means for coupling the means for containing to thesecond means for bearing.

23. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the portion of thefirst means for bearing and the portion of the second means for bearingcontained by the means for containing determined by a position of thefirst structure relative to a position of the second structure.

24. The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the first means forcoupling and the second means for coupling includes a means forconstricting the means for containing around at least a portion of thefirst means for bearing and the second means for bearing.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims of this patent.

The following claims are hereby incorporated into this DetailedDescription by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: an inside rod includinga first opening on a first longitudinal end of the inside rod and asecond opening on a second longitudinal end of the inside rod, the firstopening and the second opening extending at least partially through theinside rod, the inside rod including tabs extending from the firstlongitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the inside rod atleast partially around the first opening and the second opening, anexterior surface of the tabs including conical threads; outside rods tobe at least partially positioned within the openings of the inside rod,the tabs of the inside rod at least partially surrounding the outsiderods, the outside rods including end bearings to couple to a firststructure and a second structure; and conical nuts including threadscorrelating with the conical threads of the tabs of the inside rod, theconical nuts to threadably couple to the tabs, the conical nuts toconstrict the tabs around the outside rods and couple the inside rod andthe outside rods.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein portions of theoutside rods to be positioned within the inside rod are adjustable. 3.The apparatus of claim 2, wherein an adjustment of a rotationalorientation of the end bearings is independent from an adjustment of theportions of the outside rods to be positioned within the inside rod. 4.The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the adjustment of the rotationalorientation of the end bearings and the adjustment of the portions ofthe outside rods to be positioned within the inside rod is determined bya position of the first structure relative to the second structure. 5.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of the inside rodincludes flats to form a grip and enhance torqueing of the conical nuts.6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inside rod is a first insiderod, and further including an intermediate rod positioned between thefirst inside rod and a second inside rod, the intermediate rod to be atleast partially within the first opening or the second opening of thefirst inside rod and the first opening or the second opening of thesecond inside rod, the tabs of the first inside rod and the tabs of thesecond inside rod at least partially surrounding the intermediate rod.7. An apparatus comprising: a hollow rod with an internal circumference,the hollow rod including tabs extending from at least one longitudinalend of the hollow rod, an exterior surface of the tabs including conicalthreads; at least one threadless rod, at least a portion of thethreadless rod to be positioned within the hollow rod, a circumferenceof the threadless rod to be approximately equivalent to the internalcircumference of the hollow rod; and at least one nut including internalconical threads complementary to the conical threads of the exteriorsurface of the tabs of the hollow rod, an engagement between theinternal conical threads of the nut and the conical threads of theexterior surface of the tabs of the hollow rod to substantiallyconstrict the tabs of the hollow rod around the threadless rod to couplethe hollow rod and the threadless rod.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the portion of the threadless rod to be positioned within thehollow rod is adjustable.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein alongitudinal end of at least one of the threadless rod or the hollow rodincludes an end bearing.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein atranslational adjustment of the threadless rod with respect to thehollow rod is independent from a rotational orientation of the endbearing.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the translationaladjustment of the threadless rod and the rotational orientation of theend bearing are determined by a position of a first structure that afirst end bearing couples to relative to a second structure that asecond end bearing couples to.
 12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein thetabs extend from the at least one longitudinal end of the hollow rodaround the internal circumference.
 13. An axial flow turbomachinecomprising: variable stator vanes to direct airflow through rotor bladesof the axial flow turbomachine; and turnbuckle link-gages to couple acase of the variable stator vanes to a structure of the axial flowturbomachine, the turnbuckle link-gages including: a hollow rod with anopening, the hollow rod including tabs extending from at least onelongitudinal end around the opening, an exterior surface of the tabsincluding conical threads; a threadless rod, the threadless rod to bepositioned at least partially within the opening of the hollow rod; andnuts including conical threads, the nuts to couple the hollow rod andthe threadless rod by coupling to the tabs of the hollow rod andconstricting the tabs of the hollow rod around the threadless rod. 14.The axial flow turbomachine of claim 13, wherein a portion of thethreadless rod positioned within the opening of the hollow rod isadjustable.
 15. The axial flow turbomachine of claim 14, wherein atleast one of the threadless rod or the hollow rod includes an endbearing to couple to the case of the variable stator vanes.
 16. Theaxial flow turbomachine of claim 15, wherein the end bearing is coupledto the case of the variable stator vanes or the structure of the axialflow turbomachine during an adjustment of the portion of the threadlessrod positioned within the opening of the hollow rod.
 17. The axial flowturbomachine of claim 15, wherein a rotational orientation of the endbearing is adjustable.
 18. The axial flow turbomachine of claim 17,wherein an adjustment of the rotational orientation of the end bearingis independent of an adjustment of the portion of the threadless rodpositioned within the opening of the hollow rod.
 19. The axial flowturbomachine of claim 17, wherein an adjustment of the portion of thethreadless rod positioned within the opening of the hollow rod or anadjustment of the rotational orientation of the end bearing isdetermined by a position of the case of the variable stator vanes andthe structure of the axial flow turbomachine.
 20. The axial flowturbomachine of claim 13, further including flat surfaces positioned onan exterior surface of the hollow rod to enhance torqueing of the nuts.